Bopaganang Basha Youth Center

Monday, June 20th, was our first full day at Bopaganang Basha Youth Center; our final destination in this amazing journey through southern Africa. Upon arriving, we had certain expectations on what we would be encountering while there. Much to our pleasant surprise, our expectations were completely unmet. To begin with, the word “youth” led us to believe that we would be working with youth ranging from ages 12 to 18. However, in Botswana, the word youth reflects the youthful spirit within its young adults. The center is comprised of “youth” ranging from about 18 to 30 years of age. We were not working with a group of kids; instead it was a group of young adults with extraordinary talent.

The talent and dedication of this group of young adults cannot be grasped through words alone, for none will do them justice. Their mission at the center is to spread the awareness of HIV/AIDS which is an increasing issue in Botswana. The statistics show that 4 out of­­ 10 is infected with HIV/AIDS. Although the stats change depending upon the day and who you ask, the message is the same…there are too many people with the virus. The spread of this virus has cut the life-expectancy of Botswana in half, averaging it at the young age of thirty-two. This was a sad realization for me as it must be more so for those living with the virus. Education on the virus is essential to reduce the number of cases in Botswana. The way this group of young adults is spreading awareness is through their talents of singing, dancing, acting, and poetry.

We were privileged to see this in action our first day meeting them Friday, June 17th. They performed a play before a large group of security guards that invited them to a meeting they were having. They instantly captivated the crowd, me included. Although, I couldn’t understand a word they were saying, because they spoke in Setswana, the message transcended our language barrier. Yet, what surprised me the most was what they did after the play was completed. They divided the security guards into groups and led discussions with a giant picture flipbook that illustrated the effects of MCP (Multiple Concurrent Partnerships) which explains that if a person is involved with multiple sexual partners (especially at the same time), their chances of getting or spreading the virus is significantly multiplied. In these small discussion groups, they answered questions, combated false myths, and effectively showed their knowledge in the matter. To go a step further, they passed out a movie they put together themselves that shows the causes of having multiple sexual partners.

When we were at the center (that Monday), we instantly learned how they became so talented. Each person at the center must be involved in dancing, singing, and acting. Their length of involvement in the center varies along with their initial talent upon arriving. With practice, dedication, and support, ability in all three aspects is cultivated and groomed for center stage.

As we walked in on our first day, we expected to watch them do their thing and slowly ease into their routine. However, their agenda for us was completely different. We were quickly put in with everyone else and pushed to dance, sing, and act. For me, this was horrifying. I am unable to act or sing, and my dancing skills are mediocre. But they didn’t care; they just wanted us to be involved, to be hands on in what they were doing. This was a welcoming unlike one I have received before. They were open to receive me just the way I was, as well as ready to receive my lack of talent in these areas. When they heard me singing they smiled and encouraged me to sing louder; when they saw me dance they encouraged me to dance more; when they saw me act, they encouraged me to act with confidence. Although, I was unable to give them an amazing performance, I was met with smiles and high fives for trying.

The work that they are doing must not be overlooked. They are spreading a message that is crucial for their community/country to hear. It’s a message they have heard themselves. Because of the knowledge they have gained about HIV/AIDS, they have made behavioral changes because they believe they must act out what they are preaching. Some of them live with the virus themselves, making the educating of the virus and the promoting of monogamy within a relationship and safe sex personal. They are reaching a great amount of people with each performance. The week before we arrived to Francistown, they performed for a different group Monday to Saturday. Through working with these youth, I have been able to get a close look into their culture, their perspectives, their lives and the impact they are having on their community.

By: Vanessa Silverman